Ellen Clare Hamaker's Obituary
Ellen Clare Hunter Hamaker, also known as “Bird” by her brothers, 60, of Lehigh Acres, Florida, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. She was born on August 7, 1965, in Decatur, Illinois to Celestine and Otis Hunter. Ellen graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in 1983. She married the love of her life, Kory Hamaker, on May 3, 2003. In 2006, they welcomed home their son, Avery Lane Hamaker, her little prince. Ellen lived a life full of kindness, laughter, and love that touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. She found her true calling in helping other women find recovery.
Ellen was preceded in death by her parents Celestine and Otis Hunter and her in-laws, Barb and Don Hamaker. She is survived by her siblings David (Valerie) Hunter, Greg (Connie) Hunter, Mark (Mary Simmons) Hunter, Patrick (Sandy) Hunter, Sean (Sue) Hunter, Todd Hunter, Ann (Michael) Holmes, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews whom she loved deeply.
The family will hold two Celebrations of Life. One will be held on March 28, 2026, in Ft. Myers, FL at YANA Foundation, 1185 Lake McGregor Dr., Ft. Myers, FL from 2:00-4:30 pm. A second one will be held in Springfield, IL, on July 18, 2026, at the IEA Professional Development Center, 3440 Liberty Drive, at 1:00 pm. Donations can be made to your favorite local pet shelter in her name.
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